new year; five goals
Happy 2020! I have been thinking about a few goals for the year recently. I realize that one can make goals anytime, and every moment is a chance for a change in one’s actions or behavior. I can see the argument against resolutions; against trying so hard at something you could have been doing all along just because it’s a new year. But there’s no denying that change from one year to a new one prompts people into a state of personal reflection. For me, this has felt especially true this year. I’ve been craving some changes; some goals. It feels like the right time to set some intentions for the months ahead.
I just reading a New York Times piece about eco-resolutions. The piece noted: “Climate change is not a problem that can be solved or mitigated enough by individual behavior, though it is good, important and a place to start.”
Well, shoot. I guess I should nix my resolutions then.
NO! Duh. The NYT goes on to say:
“We can’t fix this alone. We can’t all do everything. But, we can all do one thing. So just pick one thing — whether it’s eating less red meat, or composting, or riding your bike to work, or cleaning up plastic litter in your community, or buying secondhand clothing — and actually do it.”
This year, I’m picking five things. Four of them have something to do with my environmental impact. One of them might be slightly bad for the earth, but good for preserving and cultivating relationships. One or two of them are actions that I’d consider significant individual efforts to combat the climate crisis.
one // Don’t buy any clothes.
I like to shop. I like new clothes. I like feeling pretty. For years now, I’ve mastered the “art” of consignment shopping. I can find pretty good pre-owned clothes. And because I’m buying $2.99 shirts at Goodwill, I tell myself it’s okay. But, really, I have way too many clothes. I have many things I like, but a lot of items I don’t really like. And too many things that don’t fit quite right. It seems, for a long time now, I’ve prioritized quantity over quality.
Having a small wardrobe of high-quality items is the ideal for which many of us are striving. However, I don’t really know how to get there without (irresponsibly) ditching most of my clothes and buying new items (that have used a lot of resources to create).
I don’t really have the answers right now, but I think a first step is to stop bringing more in to my closet. To wear what I have. Hopefully I’ll wear out a few things. After a year, I’ll reassess. Any and all suggestions and comments welcome!
two // Send a card by mail to someone once per month.
There was a time, long ago, that I was really good at sending letters. As a kid, I was all about pen pals. But in recent years I’ve totally sucked at sending mail to those important to me. I could blame it on technology or kids or both, but really all that matters is that I’d like to change. Each month I’ll send a card to someone. A “thank you” or a “happy birthday” or just a “hi.”
three // Walk or bike for any trip less than 2 miles (one way).
This is more of a “keep” than a “start.” I’ve been aiming to do this for most of 2019, but I’m going to keep prioritizing carbon-neutral transportation for short trips. I’m hoping to expand my range a bit too. If all of us made this change, it would have a huge impact on the amount of fossil fuels we’re putting into the atmosphere.
four // Make homemade pasta at least once.
We have a pasta maker. I never use it. I really like pasta. I want to make it. Hopefully more than once. But at least once this year!
five // Learn some basic sewing skills.
I’m not planning to make my own clothes or anything crazy, but I’d like to be able to fix things and maybe make some simple items like produce bags. I found an old sewing machine for free on Facebook. I’m going to pick it up tomorrow, and hopefully get started soon after that!
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What are your goals for the year? I’d love to hear! Particularly your “eco-resolutions!”